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Only Hope, Only Life
Flight Songs addresses, through poetry, some of life’s most impactful struggles and the intense emotions associated with loss, survival, and resilience. Why was this an important collection for you to share?
What matters to me is nourishing hope against destruction and despair. Most of my stories and essays revolve around the perspective of a character on the brink, about to give up, and then something gives oxygen to a tiny flame, and life continues. This collection arose with urgency and insistence out of that constant obsession. I don’t usually see things so fully with such force all at once, but in the case of this collection, it was a powerful and almost singular vision: women and families on the road, carrying babies away from the engines of war, singing to survive.
Do you have a particular selection in your collection that resonates with you?
I am most connected to the “Notes” page and the “Song of Gratitude” at the end, because it affirms my connection to the teachers and artists who have guided me, the community that sustains and inspires my hope, and the friends and family who have made it possible for me to live.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore within your poems?
Only hope. Only life, and how to maintain and protect what may yet live in an age of mechanized destruction. I believe in the power of interconnected voices to move the moment and protect the living and the dead.
Can readers expect to see more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes. I have more poems coming out from a collection that emerged after Flight Songs. And a variety of other bodies of work that I dare not characterize just yet. They still haven’t told me their names.
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Flight Songs
Flight Songs, by Stacey C. Johnson, is an evocative collection of poems that offers an insightful portrayal of human emotions and experiences amidst life’s uncertainties. The collection thoughtfully engages with themes such as survival, resilience, and loss, presenting these complex emotions in a manner that deeply resonates with the reader. The poet’s use of rich, haunting imagery and expressive language captures the essence of human struggle, emphasizing the constant pursuit of hope and humanity even in dire circumstances.
Johnson effectively draws upon motifs such as the reverberations of war and the ephemeral beauty of forgotten melodies, weaving together a tapestry that illustrates the multifaceted nature of existence and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. It is a reflective journey that delves into both individual introspection and the shared experiences of collective memory, revealing the fragile yet resilient nature of life.
Reading Flight Songs is an immersive experience; the collection is filled with profound insights and raw emotional depth. Each poem is a meticulous exploration of themes that are both personal and universal, crafted with a careful choice of words and structured in a way that adds significant depth to the narrative. While I feel that the complexity of some poems may pose somewhat of a challenge in understanding, this aspect enriches the anthology, inviting the reader to engage in a more profound reflection and introspection.
Flight Songs stands out for its genuine and emotionally rich content. Stacey C. Johnson’s collection comes highly recommended for readers who appreciate poetry that not only reflects on life’s realities but also has the power to stir the soul and leave a lasting impact.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0CW83DY8H
LITERARY TITAN 